Can't believe how many seniors are wintering here

[Tricializ]

I am at FW right now and can't believe how many seniors are taking their winters (or a good portion) here at FW. I think it's great, but wouldn't that be pricey? Wonder if there is a monthly rate? There are still Christmas decorations up at many of the campsites, (not just lights and stuff, but Santa's reindeer etc.) so I would assume that they have been here a while. And, that site that was featured on the DIY network FW show is my neighbor this week. Still here and fully decorated. These couples are wonderful. I hope me and my DH are like all of these actives seniors (who must be kids at heart if they are here) when we are there.
Tricia

 

[tim5055]

Wonder if there is a monthly rate?
Tricia

The long term rate (knownas the Winter Settlers rate) was discontinued a couple of years ago. Now they pay full price, less any disconts they are eligible for.

 

[John VN]

If you compare staying at FW to a high price condo on the beach, I think the cost is very reasonable. You have your own house at a billion dollar resort that is only a little drive from either coast and so much more.

 

[Tricializ]

If you compare staying at FW to a high price condo on the beach, I think the cost is very reasonable. You have your own house at a billion dollar resort that is only a little drive from either coast and so much more.

Oh, for sure. I was just wondering though. It really is nice to see. A bunch seem to have met too. They were all chatting on the boat to MK last night how it was such a nice night that they had to get out. Very cute.
Tricia

 

[bama_ed]

Plus I think the rate you pay per night is the current rate on the day you check in. I have a ressie for Christmas 2007 and set my arrival date during the "pre-holiday" period and every night (even the ones that extend into the "Holiday" period) is still at the pre-holiday rate. Right now we're in the "value" period until mid February.

Plus whatever AAA, AP, Florida Resident, or other discount they added on top. Actually I kinda jealous of anyone who spends longer than a week there. But I can dream, can't I?

Bama ED

 

[swillis]

I would love to do this. Not my hubby though. He doesn't share my camping or Disney lovin. Great idea though!

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

Wintering at FW is part of my secret evil plan, like so many other of my brilliant ideas it only lacks time and money.

 

[clkelley]

The maximum booking you are allowed to have is a 30 day booking. So if you string those bookings together, and start them at advantagous dates, you could get September through mid March mostly at Value Rate, and a month at pre-holiday rate. I would imagine for a stay of that length, most of those folks also have a AAA card and/or and Annual Pass, so probably get (if they are persistant with their phone calls) those discounts on the site.

 

[dblr]

We are DVC members and just for kicks I sat down and checked to see how long we could stay there with our 300 pts. a year and came up with 6 weeks in the lowest time of the year which is right now. Just a thought.

 

[clkelley]

We are DVC members and just for kicks I sat down and checked to see how long we could stay there with our 300 pts. a year and came up with 6 weeks in the lowest time of the year which is right now. Just a thought.

And if you pay cash for the weekend nights, you could probably stretch that even further.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

I'm bummed that they don't offer the monthly rate anymore. We are planning to move to Orlando in a couple of years and I was thinking we might live in our 30' travel trailer while our next house is being built. Darned.

 

[bcvillastwo]

According to the 2007 rack rates if you wanted to stay at FW for the month of January and February........arriving on January 1st and leaving on March 2nd it would cost a total of $4,219 including tax at a preferred site.

January ($55+6.88 tax = $61.88 per night @ 31 nights = $2785 (rounded)

February$85+10.63 tax - $95.63 per night @ 15 nights = $1,434 (rounded)

The prices would go down somewhat if you stayed at either a full or partial hook up site.

There's no doubt in my mind that you could rent a place in town or at one of the RV parks outside the gates but it's not a bad deal to pay $4,200 to stay at FW for two solid months.

Note:

If it's true that you can book a month at the begining of Feb and you can carry the $61.88 price forward for the next 30 days then the cost would go down by a little over $1,000 making the cost of your stay about $3,200 for two months at the Fort.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

$1600/month average wouldn't be bad. BTW, why does the rate go up in February so much. That sounds almost like holiday rates. Is the entire month considered Peak Season just because of President's Day/Week?

 

[clkelley]

Mid Feb - through the end of April is peak due to Presidents weekend, Spring Breaks, then Easter Break.

 

[clkelley]

According to the 2007 rack rates if you wanted to stay at FW for the month of January and February........arriving on January 1st and leaving on March 2nd it would cost a total of $4,219 including tax at a preferred site.

January ($55+6.88 tax = $61.88 per night @ 31 nights = $2785 (rounded)

February$85+10.63 tax - $95.63 per night @ 15 nights = $1,434 (rounded)

The prices would go down somewhat if you stayed at either a full or partial hook up site.

There's no doubt in my mind that you could rent a place in town or at one of the RV parks outside the gates but it's not a bad deal to pay $4,200 to stay at FW for two solid months.

Note:

If it's true that you can book a month at the begining of Feb and you can carry the $61.88 price forward for the next 30 days then the cost would go down by a little over $1,000 making the cost of your stay about $3,200 for two months at the Fort.

Yes, the first night of your reservation determines the rate. If you had three continuing reservations, you could stay from Jan 1st - till March 16th at Value rate.

1st Reservation - Jan 1st - Jan 31st.
2nd Resrvation - January 31st - Feb 13th
3rd Reservation - February 14th - March 15th

If you can get AAA rate, that brings it down to $3668 for 74 nights. You've also got to consider that includes electric, water, and cable service.